It is the same winter as last year

Outside, the familiar yet forgotten winds
Slither through my fingers
Uncurling my fists
Gliding over an older body
More settled, more comfortable, more resigned
More everything I didn’t set out to be

The way is dark and unclear
The turns evading my steps
Angry perhaps, hostile
Unwilling to forgive the abandonment

And now the winds – at first rushing through
Reverse their path
Pushing against my weakened resolve
My tired legs held captive to their strength

The message reverberates with each gust
With each false step
With each forced pause
With each unheard plea

What was cherished and then lost
Can be renewed but not reclaimed